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Final Fantasy 16 Difficulty Settings Explained By Producer

Game difficulty has been a frequent topic of discussion among gamers this past year. This is partially due to the release of Elden Ring, a From Software Souls-like game known for their difficulty and inability to change the setting. Square Enix is also going to have only one difficulty setting in Final Fantasy 16, although they are taking a unique approach that allows players to adjust how challenging the RPG is.

phoenixwing1412d ago

Not happy with this news. I'd rather have difficulty options. Awesome gear shouldn't let you cheese everything and be available at the beginning imo. Still buying it day one but I would have preferred they went the nier automata route

CrimsonWing691411d ago (Edited 1411d ago )

So, don’t play Story Focused Mode then?

phoenixwing1411d ago

Story focused mode is a set of equipment

wwinterj1411d ago

Story mode gives plays items that makes it more easy. Don't play story mode and you won't get these items early thus making it more of a challenge. I have no issue with story mode in games or extra hard modes too. People are free to play games how they want.

Eonjay1411d ago

Like standard difficulties you aren't forced to choose easy mode. I am not a fan of easy mode... So I don't pick easy mode lol.

Mobis-New-Nest1410d ago

I was hoping they would offer "Start With Level 99 and Unlock Everything At the Beginning" DLC but I can settle for this. It will make it more easier to get the Platinum Trophy so I can rub it in the face of my enemies. Thank you Square-Enix.

H91411d ago

I am saying this from the perspective of someone who really loves games to be as difficult as possible, while the idea of Yoshi-P is solid, it is extremely vague, "increase the window of Blocks", how much? How easier does it make the game? Does someone need to go and test every single setting individually in all it's values to see what they are like?

While I am not a fan of difficulty settings at least it gives you a general idea on what to expect, I put those games on hard right away (hated it when Square locks hard difficulty behind NG+), while customization is good, it should be more clear and approachable which is the point, rather than confusing

Eonjay1411d ago

How is this confusing though. If the gear increases your block window then that's what it does. I think Easy modes are for story exposition and for letting you get through it faster. It seems like you are overthinking it a little

H91411d ago

Yeah but how much is that increase and how does it reflect on the difficulty, is it significant enough? Those are the things that you need to test out and for people who like to know if there's an easy mode before buying, they can't test it, I am just trying to discuss the matter, it doesn't affect me personally because I would just not use any of them!

Tapani1411d ago

No need for difficulty settings! It's a work of art, no need to think how people experience it, and absolutely no need to think about fans. Make the game for yourselves, a game that you'd want to play, and see how it does. Forget the noise, and focus on creative process. Forget the keyboard warriors, fans and whatever out there. Art is art, and should not be compromised because people somehow suddenly need something.

CobraKai1411d ago

Oh please. This is a video game first. All that art BS can come later. They absolutely have to keep their fans in mind. The more people playing their game the better. Also giving OPTIONS on how they’re game is played with the “Story Focus” mode is them making the game for themselves as nothing is compromised. Gamers can choose which way they can play, with the gameplay/story the developers intended. If you think about FF, we put gear on our characters to boost health, strength, magic, etc. Nothing is different for Story Focus if gear makes the game easier for people who like an easier game.

Tacoboto1411d ago

Have to disagree with both of you.

Tapani - surely you're being sarcastic. Forget the fans, no need to think about them?

Cobra - All that "Art BS" is the story, writing, sound design, and yes, the gameplay flow. It should absolutely not be compromised for arbitrary reasons. If their vision and gameplay loop revolves around difficulty and overcoming certain obstacles, then it should be a choice and not a mandate in whether or not they enable players to skirt through those challenges.

In context to this game, I'm excited for it. This doesn't change my mind, but as someone who likes a bit more of a challenge I hope it can meaningfully provide that.

Syphos1411d ago

Tons of disagrees but if you'd phrased it differently like 'If a small portion of the fan base is screaming for something to be implemented then maybe it is ok to not implement it if it changes the original vision the developer has' I would have 100% agreed.

Developers sometimes try but fail to cater to everyones needs, there is not a single piece of art in any form in the history of humanity that caters to everyones needs and there will never be, so stop trying to do so devs.

GoodGuy091411d ago

Screw difficulty options! Unless there are good incentives or trophies for harder modes, I always just go for normal or drop it to easy if I want to finish the game quick.

jznrpg1411d ago (Edited 1411d ago )

If the game offers it that’s your choice . I personally don’t enjoy games that way but they put an easy setting there for those who want it .
But I don’t like when people get upset there aren’t easy modes , just buy a different game it wasn’t meant for you or they would have put an easy mode in it .

QuarkZ1411d ago

Soooo, screw difficulty options but also I like to be able to choose easy difficulty option. Gotcha.

Terry_B1411d ago

Gonna skip this anyway. Its name its Final Fantasy, but its not a FF game.

Mr_Luke1411d ago

Yes, i fear you are right... but i probably going to get it, unless it's very disappointing.

Syphos1411d ago

Terribly humble of you to assume you know what is and is not a Final Fantasy more-so then the actual developers who make them, games change formula's consistently, your just not comfortable with change.

Also every FF (even the turn-based ones) changed with every iteration, then FF15 and FF7R went a newer route combat-wise which most people loved and FF16 is yet again switching up the formula, that doesn't mean it's not a FF game..

shinoff21831411d ago

Comfortable might not have anything to do with it. Its more they changed it to a action game

shinoff21831411d ago

I wouldnt say most. You really cant gauge that unless you know of a poll even with that it still might not be true. Alot of us still prefer the turn based combat.

Eonjay1411d ago

I actually like the fact that they keep switching up the formula. And it makes sense. Going from Final Fantasy 7 to 10 to 12 to 13 to 15 and now 16 they don't play it safe by doing the same thing over and over.

franwex1411d ago

I know. That’s the whole point.

shinoff21831411d ago

Im with you on that. I havent cared for a ff game since 10 and even 10 kinda irks me due to no world map. I could see the change happening to the series right there.

_Decadent_Descent1408d ago

FFX sucked honestly. Extremely linear and had a cheesy love story and dialogue. The only redeeming thing about the game was its battle system. Aside from MMO's, XII was the last good FF.

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40°
8.7

Final Fantasy 16 Review – Clive’s Epic Arrives on Xbox - Lords of Gaming

Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox has an epic story, great voice acting, bold combat, and DLC. A flawed but unforgettable journey worth experiencing.

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lordsofgaming.net
DivineHand125258d ago

I had a great time with final fantasy 16. I completed all the quests, bounties and unlocked all the ekon abilities. I only need to play through the game on Final fantasy difficulty to unlock the platinum trophy.

*********Possible Spoiler Alert*********
Just a little nitpick I have with the series. It would have been a better if Clive was more militant. Imagine if we got a story like Spartacus.

In addition to that, I am not a fan of the endings we get from the final fantasy games. Some fans like it and say a bitter sweet ending is more memorable but I personally would prefer a new start in a happily ever after ending.

30°
8.0

Final Fantasy XVI Review | TheXboxHub

Richard writes: Final Fantasy XVI’s arrival on Xbox is a very welcome one, if you can stomach the unnecessary entry fee for a two-year-old game.

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80°

Final Fantasy XVI for Nintendo Switch 2 Possibly Hinted at by Developers

Square Enix has been expanding its multiplatform releases, including Final Fantasy XVI. A port for the Nintendo Switch 2 may be on the menu.

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repsahj325d ago

Let them, additional sales will help them for their other FF projects.

Levii_92324d ago

I was about to make fun of this so hard until i read what you've said. I gotta agree, let them.

shinXseijuro324d ago

Making fun of games being more accessible to a larger audience only to strengthen the IP for all the fans in the long run is plain stupid! Let’s all keep it real , aside of Nintendo exclusives are pretty much a thing of the past with all of the games coming to Pc . If everything comes to PC and can be played everywhere on the go there’s no longer an incentive for one to hold dear to a brand in particular when they all end up being able to play the same games .

Extermin8or3_323d ago

In principle there's nothing wrong with this. In reality this game struggles at times on the ps5, now with better optimisation that probably shouldn't be the case but then to go from there to running onnthe switch 2 which is similar innpower to a base ps4.... it is going to run like shit.